I recently bought a DVD from a Wal Mart bin - it's called HOLLWOOD vs the MOB. Basically it's a documentary comparing old gangster films and how they relate to the real life Mobs. Good DVD ! Check it out!

What I would like to know is...what are YOUR favorite 'Gangster" films? My top ten...

!.PUBLIC ENEMY- It's Jimmy Cagney! Whatta tough little son of a b#tch! I first saw this movie when I was 8 years old. Jimmy is the coolest,most likable ganster of the Golden Age of gangster shoot 'em ups from the thirties.

Where do you think they got the idea? Have you see that one? So great, and CLORIS LEACHMAN opens the film with one of the most bloodcurdling screams you'll ever hear in any movie (no, that bloodcurdling screamer at the end ain't CLORIS...)

Where do you think they got the idea? Have you see that one? So great, and CLORIS LEACHMAN opens the film with one of the most bloodcurdling screams you'll ever hear in any movie (no, that bloodcurdling screamer at the end ain't CLORIS...)

1. Goodfellas. Arguably the most true-to-life gangster film ever made. If you can, watch the commentary with the real Henry Hill and the real-life FBI agent who played himself in the movie.

2. Once Upon a Time in America. And yes, the real version.

3. The Godfather I and II. Obvious choice, perhaps, but come on, can I be the only one to include it?

4. Bonnie and Clyde.

5. Eastern Promises. It IS a gangster movie, and I thought it was amazing. But I understand there will be disagreement.

6. White Heat. About as classic gangster as it gets.

7. Scarface. Enough said.

8. Millers Crossing. I thought the Cohen Brothers made a remarkable contribution to the genre in their unique way.

9. Donnie Brasco. An underrated film, and one of the more true-to-life gangster movies.

10. The Cotton Club. I know, I know. I'll get some ribbing for that one I'm sure. It was silly and melodramatic and full of cliches, but I think that was largely intentional, but provided a charming parody of 1920's gangsters.

There are so many honorable mentions. Tarantino films should be mentioned, but BT is almost his own genre, so I didn't include them in the Top 10. Carlito's Way, Mean Streets, The Untouchables, Road to Perdition, The Departed. That latter almost made it on my list.

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